I just got this email with excellent news from the US Humane Society!

Joyce

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The Humane Society of the United States
U.S. SENATE PASSES BILLS TO SAVE PETS, HUNTED WILDLIFE
August 4, 2006

Dear Joyce,

I have tremendous news to share with you!

Last night, the U.S. Senate passed two important animal protection
measures: One will save pets during disasters, and the other will
protect exotic species by closing the infamous "taxidermy tax scam"
loophole.

These victories would not have been possible without your actions and
support. By contacting your lawmakers or telling your friends and
family about our legislative work, you have made a real and lasting
impact on the lives of animals. Here are more details on last night's
major wins for animals:

VICTORY FOR AMERICA'S PETS (AND THEIR PEOPLE)

The U.S. Senate unanimously approved its version of the Pets
Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act. The U.S. House of
Representatives passed its version in May by an overwhelming vote.
Congress has taken an important step in ensuring that Americans will
never again be forced to leave their pets behind when disaster
strikes, as happened during Hurricane Katrina.

The bill passed by the House calls for emergency preparedness plans
to include consideration of people with pets and service animals
before a disaster strikes. The Senate bill contains additional and
strengthening provisions. The Humane Society of the United States
supports both bills, but we hope the House will take up and approve
the Senate version because it is more comprehensive. We are
approaching the one-year mark of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and
hurricane season is upon us again. Final passage of the PETS Act will
be a priority when Congress returns from recess in September. More...
https://community.hsus.org/ct/C7L2NLF1QR60/

VICTORY FOR HUNTED EXOTICS (AND TAXPAYERS)

For years, big game trophy hunters have been sticking American
taxpayers with the bill for their hunting vacations. A two-year
investigation by The HSUS revealed that some trophy hunters are
shooting rare animals around the world and donating their mounted
prizes to phony museums so that they can take a tax deduction. A
comprehensive pensions bill passed last week by the House and last
night by the Senate contains provisions that tighten the laws on
charitable giving and closes this trophy hunting tax scam loophole.

There is nothing charitable about shooting rare animals and writing
off the cost. Closing this loophole will help save rare wildlife
around the world and save American taxpayers an estimated $43 million
over the next decade. https://community.hsus.org/ct/CdL2NLF1QR6l/

The fact is, these bills passed because of the actions of you and
hundreds of thousands of other caring citizens. From all of us here
at The HSUS and the Humane Society Legislative Fund, and on behalf of
the animals we work to protect, thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States